Employee Relations Manager

SweetTree Home Care Services; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care service provider in the UK is looking for an Employee Relations Manager to manage ER cases, develop policies, and support HR initiatives. This full-time role requires strong knowledge of employment law and excellent communication skills. The salary ranges from £45,000 to £50,000. Additional benefits include 25 days annual leave, health insurance, and development opportunities, along with options for remote work after probation.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays

A 'Me Day' - extra day off

Health & Wellbeing Programme

Company Pension Scheme

Discounted shopping & services platforms

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of employment law and ER case management is essential.
• Experience in a care setting is advantageous but not necessary.
• Ability to forge relationships and drive positive change.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day ER cases including grievances and disciplinaries.
• Support the creation and review of employment policies.
• Contribute to the Employee relations reward strategy.

Skills

Knowledge of employment law

ER case management experience

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Proficient in MS Office

Education

CIPD qualification (preferred)

Job description

Employee Relations Manager

Department: Human Resources

Location: SweetTree Home Care Services - Coleridge House, 1 Coleridge Gardens, London NW6 3QH

Contract: 37.5 per week, 5 days per week 9am-5pm (option for up to 2 days a week WFH after probation)

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum DOA

The Role

The Employee Relations Manager at SweetTree is a dynamic and pivotal role responsible for delivering a highly efficient and effective Employee Relations (ER) service. The role encompasses diverse responsibilities, including case management of grievances and disciplinaries, policy creation and review, and oversight of the complete employee lifecycle.

The ER Manager plays a key part in shaping SweetTree’s Employee Relations and reward strategy, suggesting and implementing process improvements, staying abreast of legislative changes, and contributing to a range of initiatives and projects across the business.

With a focus on collaboration, the role involves supporting business leaders, colleagues, and managers by providing meaningful reports and contributing to change activities.

The ideal candidate possesses strong knowledge of employment law, ER case management experience and is self-motivated with exceptional organisation and communication skills. The ability to forge lasting relationships at all levels, methodical thinking and eagerness to drive positive change are essential. Experience in a care setting is advantageous but not necessary.

Principal Duties

• Provide day-to-day ER subject matter knowledge and expertise to support case management of grievances and disciplinaries, performance/conduct issues, sickness and absences, planning investigations, thorough interviews, review forensic information, and completing detailed investigation summaries.
• Identify and quantify ER related risks and advise accordingly.
• Support creation, preparation, review, amendment and communication of employment policies and handbooks; flag any issues for attention.
• Support creation, preparation, review, amendment and communication of template letters and other tools as may be necessary.
• Support and manage the complete employee lifecycle including sickness, absence, AWOL & Family leave, probation monitoring and leavers process.
• Lead and contribute to SweetTree’s Employee relations reward strategy and associated projects.
• Suggest and implement internal process improvements that support an efficient and business-focused ER service.
• Support business leaders to create meaningful reports and recommend actions; utilising external expertise when necessary.
• Support business change activities e.g. restructuring, transfer (TUPE), redundancies, settlement, and formal consultation expertise.
• Take ownership and maintain HRMS and employee records; provide feedback and reports on key themes / learnings.
• Stay updated and informed on legislative changes, employment law, policy and procedures.
• Work closely with payroll to ensure accurate information exchange.
• Management and support of internal and external auditing.
• Enhance capability and knowledge of line managers in ER-related issues through advice, training/upskilling and development of tools and guidelines.
• Provide support and guidance to team members, raise knowledge/expertise and serve as a role model.
• Work closely with the wider HR team to support smooth onboarding and engagement.
• Act as deputy to the HR Director and provide ad hoc absence cover where needed.
• Support the wider HR function and perform other related duties as required.

Person Specification

• Working knowledge of current employment law.
• Experience in management of ER cases, policies and procedures for full time and zero hour contracts.
• Ability to monitor and perform against set KPIs.
• Analytical thinker with ability to make data-led and informed decisions.
• Understanding of Health and Safety legislation.
• Independence and consultation with staff across locations.
• Proficient in MS Office.
• Experience in a fast moving, customer facing organisation preferred.
• CIPD qualified (preferred not essential, qualified, or part-qualified).
• Knowledge or experience working within a Health or Social Care, Charity or similar setting advantageous.

What’s in It for You

• 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays.
• A 'Me Day' – an extra day off + £20 to treat yourself.
• Ongoing support and development with accredited training.
• Health & Wellbeing Programme.
• Discounted shopping & services platforms.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health insurance.
• Free eye care vouchers.
• Free DBS check.
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Longevity Service Awards.
• Social events (Christmas & Summer parties!).